Jagathon's First In-person Event Since 2020

<p>Jenna Nicodemus, pictured in green, was the green color team morale captain. Nicodemus said, &quot;I am passionate about the cause and I want to make a difference in any way I can to help save a child&#x27;s life.&quot;</p>

Jenna Nicodemus, pictured in green, was the green color team morale captain. Nicodemus said, "I am passionate about the cause and I want to make a difference in any way I can to help save a child's life."

Jagathon’s long-awaited return to normality has finally come to fruition. The 15-hour event heralded as an annual highlight of IUPUI’s spring semester exemplified the same resilience its student body has displayed throughout the year.

Leading up to the event, Jagathon committee members and participants shared excitable energy. The desire to fulfill their inclusive “Jagathon is for everyone” mindset was strong. The team worked tirelessly through escalating anticipation and last-minute efforts to tie up the remaining loose ends, ensuring triumphant success. 

This seemed to especially be the case for Kayla Lemmon, Jagathon’s director of fundraising.

“We’re trying to go big or go home, essentially,” Lemmon said.

Lemmon shared that fundraising for Riley Children’s Hospital was certainly part of their ambitious efforts. In 2020, Jagathon achieved its record fundraising sum of $607,000. The current team, despite its smaller size, aspired for an astounding total of $615,000 this year. 

According to the Jagathon Instagram page (@iupuidm) the 2022 team raised just above $364,000 in donations. 

Fundraising may be an integral element of the event, but it is far from its only objective. In fact, Lemmon described Jagathon’s three main goals as raising awareness, causing connection, and having fun.

It seems that this year Jagathon was once again able to achieve those targets.

A first-time Jagathon attendee mentioned the Run to Riley as well as their numerous interactions with the children and families as highlights.

Jagathon President Caleb Shannon shared other special moments from the night. He recalls the opening ceremony, final morale dance, and fundraising reveal as some of his favorites.

“I fell in love again with the organization,” Shannon said. “This year is definitely a great steppingstone in the right direction.”

A great steppingstone indeed. The organization hopes to continue rebuilding cohesion around the IUPUI campus. 

For those who wish to become involved with Jagathon in the future, as a participant, committee member, or more, there are multiple first steps available to take. Follow Jagathon’s social media accounts. Visit the Jagathon website. Stop by the Jagathon table at other campus events. Ask a friend or classmate who is already involved. Any of these options allows you to begin your journey toward raising awareness, causing connection, and having fun.

Students who wish to embrace a committee member or other leadership role should begin by exploring the organization’s 20 committees. There is a fit for everyone of every major and every type of interest.

As the saying goes, Jagathon is for everyone.

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